Gloucester Police Provide Safety Tips for Encountering Wildlife

GLOUCESTER — Interim Chief John McCarthy and the Gloucester Police Department would like to offer community members several important safety tips to use to protect themselves, pets and homes from incidents involving wildlife.

“This was an extremely unfortunate situation where a resident lost a beloved pet,” Interim Chief McCarthy said. “To prevent tragedies like this in the future, we advise residents to always monitor their pets and children when outside, especially if you live in wooded areas. If you see a coyote or other wildlife, do not panic. Stand your ground and use loud noises to scare it off.”

In recent years, animals like coyotes, foxes, raccoons and even black bears have increased their presence in suburban and urban communities. These animals are known to easily adapt to humans, and state wildlife officials say encounters are becoming increasingly common.

To avoid conflict with commonly seen wildlife, the Gloucester Police Department recommends that residents follow safety tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:

Do not feed wildlife.

Keep trash and garbage around your yard contained and picked up.

Do not feed pets outdoors.

Leash or secure your pets when walking outdoors and do not leave pets unattended and restrained outdoors.

Remove bird feeders, especially if wildlife is seen around them.

Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds where animals can take shelter.

Protect livestock and produce by fencing areas and picking up fallen fruits from trees.

Do not provoke an encounter by approaching or attempting to touch wildlife.